The Forbidden Throb (Emma and Daniel) novel Chapter 114

Chapter 114

Emma’s POV:

The door clicked shut behind Daniel, and I remained frozen on the couch, my fingers still pressed against the stack of research papers where his hand had just been.

What just happened?

My cheek tingled where his fingers had brushed against my hair. That simple gesture-so casual, so natural-had left my heart racing in a way that felt dangerous.

Standing up, I gathered the research papers into a neat stack, my movements mechanical.

The apartment suddenly felt too large, too quiet. Through Daniel’s closed bedroom door, I heard the faint sound of running water-he must have been showering after his long day.

My phone buzzed against the coffee table. Olivia’s name flashed across the screen.

I swiped to answer, keeping my voice low. “Hey.”

“Well?” Olivia’s voice exploded through the speaker before I could even press the phone to my ear. “How did it go? Did he notice the dress? Did you use any of my lines?”

I walked quickly to my bedroom, closing the door behind me with a soft click. “I… yes. He noticed.”

“And?” The excitement in her voice was palpable. “What did he say? Did you see his reaction?”

Sinking onto my bed, I pressed my hand against my heated cheek. “He said I looked beautiful.”

Olivia squealed so loudly I had to pull the phone away from my ear. “Emma Johnson! I knew it! What else? Did you touch him? Did he touch

you?”

“Olivia-

“Did you use the compliments I taught you? Tell me everything!”

I took a breath, trying to organize my thoughts. “The dinner went well. He seemed… touched. I followed your advice about praising his work. about how he’s saved so many lives.”

“Good, good. And?”

“But…” I paused, uncertain how to explain the shift that had occurred. “I think he’s been receiving compliments his whole life, Olivia. Your theory about flattery might not work the same way with someone like him.”

There was a beat of silence. “What do you mean?”

“He’s Daniel Prescott. He probably grew up hearing how brilliant he is, how extraordusary. One more person saying it probably doesn’t

Chapter 114

“Emma.” Olivia’s voice turned serious. “Trust me. It’s different when it comes from someone you care about. Keep going. What happened next?

I told her about Blake’s notes, about Daniel’s reaction when he saw them.

“Wait, wait.” Olivia’s tone sharpened. “He got jealous of some student’s study materials?”

“I don’t think it was jealousy,” I said quickly. “He said the notes had errors. That they might mislead my project. It was probably just… professional concern.”

“Emma, you’re so naive sometimes.” I could practically hear Olivia rolling her eyes through the phone. “That was absolutely jealousy.”

My stomach flipped. “Blake’s just a student. Daniel wouldn’t be jealous of—”

Olivia sighed dramatically. “So what happened after he saw the notes? Did he storm off? Throw them away?”

“No, he…” I recalled the moment, Daniel’s careful movements as he set the papers aside. “He offered to prepare better materials for me. More

current notes. Since he’s the original author, he said he could provide more accurate context.”

“See?” Olivia sounded triumphant. “Jealous. He’s replacing that Blake guy’s work with his own. Classic territorial behavior.”

I wasn’t sure I agreed, but a small part of me hoped she was right.

“Okay, but here’s the important part,” Olivia continued. “Did you use any of the sweet talk I taught you?”

Heat flooded my face. “I told him he was amazing.”

“That’s it?” Olivia sounded disappointed. “Emma, those were the starter lines! What about the other phrases I gave you? Like ‘Daniel, I’m so lucky to have chosen you. Standing beside you makes me so proud, so happy. I really, really—”

“Stop!” I cut her off, my voice rising. “Olivia, I can’t say those things! They sound like… like I’m trying to seduce him with puppy eyes.^

“That’s literally the point-”

“I want to be natural about it,” I insisted, pressing my palm against my burning cheek. “I said ‘You’re amazing and Others can’t compare to you. That’s… that’s already a lot for me.”

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The Forbidden Throb